A female Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) marine turtle was rescued recently at Brgy. Panobolon, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras through the efforts of Mr. Aljun Margallo, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of the said town.

The turtle had a carapace curve length (CCL) of sixty-two (62) centimetres and a carapace curve width (CCW) of sixty-one centimetres. Unfortunately, its right flipper was amputated after it was tied-up by the locals before it was rescued. The Pawikan was then handed to the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) for its rehabilitation.

After the conduct of the Asian Waterbird Census in the Municipality of Nueva Valencia on January 11, 2023, the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Unit (PAMBCU) team together with personnel from the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) at the DENR 6 Regional Office received the marine turtle from SEAFDEC. It was brought to Taklong Island National Marine Reserve (TINMR) under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Guimaras for tagging and releasing back to its natural habitat.

“I would like to emphasize that it is our responsibility to care for our marine life. Marine turtles should not be kept as pets or caught for other purposes. They play an important role in the balance of our marine ecosystems. It you see a stranded marine turtle or if you accidentally caught a Pawikan, go to the nearest Field Office of DENR 6 to report the incident so that proper action can be done,” Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Regional Releases

Published: 18 January 2024

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Boracay facilitated the release of marine turtle hatchlings on January 5, 2023 at beach area of Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa, Punta Bunga, Brgy. Yapak, Boracay Island in Aklan.

A total of one hundred thirteen (113) healthy Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle hatchlings were set free by CENRO Boracay personnel.

The turtles emerged from their nest at the beachfront by about 9:00 o’clock in the evening of January 4, 2024 and they were also those in the marine turtle nesting activity on November 14, 2023 and monitored last November 16 of the same year.

CENRO Boracay coordinated with the Management of Shari-La Hotel Boracay through their General Manager, Mr. Hans Martin Gfrei. The hatchlings were kept in a storage box or cooler to keep them safe from predators and from the stormy weather on the night prior to their release.

During the release, a short depression or channel was made in the sand to allow the easy and directed passage of the marine turtle hatchlings from the beach towards the sea. The activity was also witnessed by the management, staff, and guests of the said resort.

“It gives us hope that these hatchlings were safely released into the wide, open sea where they can now thrive. I laud the efforts of CENRO Boracay to continue monitoring turtle nesting sites on the island. This activity is also a learning opportunity for those who witnessed the turtle release first-hand. Marine turtles play an important role in our oceans and it is our collective responsibility to protect them,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran stated.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Regional Releases

Published: 11 January 2024

Starting the year with anticipation and purpose, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental started their Annual Waterbird Census on January 9, 2024.

CENRO Kabankalan City through its Conservation and Development Section Chief Forester Ascencion S. Santocildes together with personnel from DENR-PENRO Negros Occidental, LGU-Binalbagan, LGU-Hinigaran, PEMO Negros Occidental and Bantay Dagat members joined the activity. They gathered in three separate sites in Brgy. Tagda and Brgy. Nanunga, Hinigaran  and Brgy. Canmoros in the town of Binalbagan.

Each group documented the number of waterbird species and behaviors, giving essential data for environmental research and conservation initiatives. The data that will collected during the census becomes more than just a catalog of species but will also echo DENR CENRO Kabankalan and DENR 6’s commitment to the stewardship of the region's natural wonders.

“Wetlands provide a safe refuge for migratory birds as well as our native bird species in the area. This census is important so that we can have a solid basis for our conservation efforts. DENR 6 through its field offices around the region will continue to do the best we can to conserve the flora and fauna found in our wetlands”, Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran expressed.

The census will continue in the coming weeks and more areas in the region within the jurisdiction of respective PENROs and CENROs will be surveyed. It is expected to bear essential information about the status of wetlands in Western Visayas.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Regional Releases

Published: 11 January 2024

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Boracay monitored an underwater clean-up activity on January 2, 2024.

The activity was initiated by the Boracay Business Administration of SCUBA Shops (BBASS), with nineteen (19) of its members joining in the clean-up. The area cleaned was where the floating barge carrying pyrotechnics for the New Year celebration in Boracay Island was situated.

During the clean-up, remnants of the pyrotechnics’ containers or tubes that fell on the sea floor were gathered by the group. Other debris and waste materials around the area were also collected, with an overall weight of fifteen (15) kilograms.

“We all have the responsibility in keeping our seas clean and free from man-made waste. I would like to thank the members of BBASS for this noble initiative. I would also like to give my gratitude to CENRO Boracay for the continuous active engagement with the private sector in maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the island”, Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran said.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Regional Releases

Published: 11 January 2024

In the previous years, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 6 gave honor and time to the elderly people in the different areas in the region with their own simple ways.

Thus, a Pamaskwa para kay Lolo kag Lola was conducted by the PENRO Negros Occidental under the leadership of PENRO Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya together with PENRO Chief TSD Catherine Balasa, Chief MSD Rosario Rostata, Chief RPS Remia Buaron, and the PERNO personnel to the one hundred forty-five (145) Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and trisikad drivers of Barangay 39, Bacolod City on December 19, 2023.

A short program including a free medical check-up was conducted and gift packs were distributed to all participants. On behalf of Punong Barangay Dante Danoy, Barangay Kagawad Ma. Rizalina Diaz welcomed all present and expressed her gratitude to the whole PENRO Negros Occidental family for letting them feel valued and for always including the Senior Citizens in the yearly activity.

Meanwhile, the Provincial ENR Office of Iloilo shared the joy of the holiday season to the beloved Lolos and Lolas, as well as to the community of Asilo De Molo- a Home for Elderly through simple gift giving, and a series of dance and song numbers.

The Head of the Social Services of Asilo de Molo, Ms. Magdalena Tumilba, gave her welcome message and thanked PENRO Iloilo for always extending their love and support to the elderly. This undertaking was initiated by PENR Officer Salvador C. Manglinong, Jr., together with the Chief Management Services Division (MSD) Rossinee T. Gunce, Chief Technical Services Division (TSD) Alma E. Ballego, with the support and cooperation of PENRO Iloilo personnel.

“Aging is something we can’t stop. We will eventually experience white hairs, wrinkles, and bones tend to shrink in size, but these people are not elders, they were once wise men/women,  history makers, previous problem solvers, and our beloved person,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Livino B. Duran.

“May we not forget that and continue to give then honour and pride,” his concluding statement.

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Parent Category: News & Events

Category: Regional Releases

Published: 09 January 2024